The 2024 Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period

As fall approaches, many Americans are excited for football, apple picking, and, best of all, the end of mosquito season. While most of us prepare for holidays and family gatherings, the team at Chapter has something else on its mind: how to help as many people as possible review their plans and choose the best one for their needs during Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP). 

So, as you shop around for a pumpkin pie that looks homemade (we hear Costco does it right!) and the perfect gifts for family, we’re here to help you shop around for Medicare plans. We’ve done our homework to make your Annual Plan Review quick and easy—so you can get back to fun, food, and festivities, knowing you’re on the right healthcare plan for 2025. 

This guide is intended to help you understand the ins and outs of the annual Open Enrollment Period, but if you’d prefer to speak with someone about your Medicare options, give us a call any time at (855) 900-2427. We’re always here for you with the best Medicare advice and support out there. 

This video summarizes everything you need to know about the 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment Period!

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

If you’re fairly new to Medicare, you may not be familiar with the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Long-time Medicare beneficiaries may have shared stories about never ending phone calls and mail from insurance companies and Medicare advisors galore. The good news is that you can go ahead and throw all that mail into your next fire pit because Chapter is your one-stop-shop for painless and unbiased Medicare advice and support—and we’ve got you covered this OEP.

During the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can:

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

• If you do this, you may also enroll in a stand alone Prescription Drug (Part D) plan and/or a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plan

• Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan

• Change from one Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to another

• Add, drop, or change Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage

We’re here to help you with all of the above and more as we head into the 2024 Open Enrollment Period!

When is the 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period lasts from October 15 - December 7 every year. During this time, Chapter Advisors are prepared to provide you with an annual review of your coverage and help you shop around for better options, so you can rest assured that you’re on the best plan based on your unique priorities.

Once you’ve made a selection, we’ll help you submit any necessary paperwork and confirm your enrollment. Your new coverage will come into effect on January 1, 2025—but our help doesn’t stop there! We’ll continue to be there for you with year-round support and guidance to help you understand your plan benefits, find in-network doctors, set up online accounts, and so much more—so you can spend your time how you want.

Steps to Prepare for Your Annual Plan Review

4. Find and review the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for your current plan, which should arrive by the end of September via mail or email.

5. Write down any questions you have so you remember them during your Annual Plan Review.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period FAQs

I’m currently enrolled in a Medigap (aka Medicare Supplement) plan - can I switch during Open Enrollment?

Technically, you are able to switch or enroll in a Medigap plan at any time. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six-month period after your Medicare Part B effective date), you’ll likely have to undergo medical underwriting to apply for a Medigap plan. This means the insurance company can ask questions about your health and weight history to determine if they want to insure you, and it’s possible your application won’t be accepted. 

Can I switch my plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period?

If you’re currently enrolled in Original Medicare, a Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, then the Open Enrollment Period is your time to review and switch plans.

If you don’t want to switch plans at this time, we still recommend reviewing your plan to avoid surprises caused by annual plan changes (each year, changes to plans can include the removal of coverage for specific doctors and prescriptions).

If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you are able to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan) once during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31). This period helps protect consumers who may be dissatisfied with the plan they chose in the fall.

Ensure you’re on the right healthcare plan heading into the New Year! Contact the Chapter Team to schedule your Annual Plan Review today.